NEW YORK — Life as the fastest man in the world isn't nearly as cool as it used to be.

There are the vials of blood, drawn so often that even Dracula would yell “enough!” There are the endless questions about the misdeeds of others. Above all, there is the doubt after every race.

Tyson Gay should be stepping into the starring role two months from now in Beijing as the reigning world champion in the 100- and 200-meter races. He should be the face of Team USA, a gold-medal favorite in events that are usually among the highest profile at the Olympics.

Instead, he is paying for the sins of his predecessors. Gay might set a world record at the Reebok Grand Prix this weekend at Randall's Island. He might beat his top rival, Usain Bolt of Jamaica, in their first-ever meeting in the 100. But he can't outrun the controversies in a sport that has absorbed more body blows from the steroids scandal than any other.